Dear Editor Riley,
Governor Kim Reynolds recently announced a historic $100M investment in water infrastructure and water quality efforts for the state of Iowa. The funding will come through a new grant program within the Iowa Finance Authority. The article further states the funding was made available from ARPA. No place in the press release did it provide what the initials ARPA represent.
ARPA initials represent the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law March 11, 2021, and was designed by President Biden’s administration to facilitate the U.S. recovery from the devastating economic and health effects of COVID-19.
Only one Iowa Congressional Representative voted for these funds, Cindy Axne.
The goal of the Water Infrastructure Fund is worthy. It “aims at reducing excessive nutrients, improving drought resiliency, reducing food risks, improving public health, promoting reuse of water and wastewater, and providing significant economic benefits to communities and the state. The goal of the Conservation Infrastructure Project is to improve water quality, habitat, recreation opportunities, and carbon sequestration.”
Governor Reynolds further stated, “We recognize the value and importance of water quality and what that means to families, businesses, and economic prosperity for our state. “That’s why we remain committed to improving Iowa’s water quality and providing these historic investments to local communities, landowners, and organizations that aim to protect, preserve and restore Iowa’s water resources.”
I perceive her message as the ultimate in language hypocrisy. She and her administration portraying that she, as Governor was allocating the funds. I am choosing to inform your readers ofthe American Rescue Plan Act, (ARPA). These were federal dollars that were allocated to Iowa.
Sincerely,
Mary Weaver, Rippey
